KARACHI, Pakistan

An international think tank on Sunday placed Turkey's first lady among the world's top ten most influential Muslim figures.

The Institute of Peace and Development (INSPAD), which simultaneously operates from Pakistan and Belgium, has nominated Emine Erdogan for its International Peace Awards 2020 for the ten leading Muslim figures across the globe for their services in different fields.

The list also includes former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir bin Muhammad, head of Bahrain's Council of Women Shaikha Noora Al Khalifa, Muslim World League Secretary-General Mohammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa of Saudi Arabia, US Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, UK House of Lords member Lord Nazir Ahmed, Chairman of Muslim Institute of Pakistan Sahibzada Sultan Ahmed Ali and Ibrahim Bin Salah Al-Naumi, the under secretary of higher education and chairman of the Doha International Center for interfaith Dialogue in Qatar.

INSPAD's President Muhammad Tahir Tabassum told Anadolu Agency that Emine Erdogan was chosen for her tremendous services in the fields of social development with a focus on women's empowerment, the environment, culture, arts and social awareness.

The body, which has 5,000 ambassadors of peace and over 12,000 members from different countries, every year selects eminent Muslim figures around the globe.